Editor’s Note: As a lead-up to this weekend’s Chenango County Relay for Life (July 20-21 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds), we’ve asked several participants to share their personal stories with Evening Sun readers. This is Why I Relay ...

Kari Buck

I Relay because I am a two time cancer survivor and I want to see an end to this horrible disease during my lifetime.

Relay gives me the unique opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who are battling cancer and to remember loved ones that have lost the battle to cancer.

I lost my mother (my best friend) along with my step father, grandmother, and several dear friends to this horrible disease after they all fought hard battles.

I Relay for my cousin who is now fighting brain cancer for the third time.

I Relay for all my patients who I see everyday fighting this horrible disease.

I Relay for my cousin who is fighting brain cancer for the third time.

This is my 8th year Relaying to find a cure. We need to fight this and find a cure to this disease so no one will ever hear the words they have cancer.

Lisa

My life came to an uproar when I went to the hospital in stomach pain, which I had fought for 5 years, with doctor’s telling me I had this or that. They had me trying this remedy and that remedy. Well I went to the ER and before I knew it, I was having surgery to remove a tumor on my stomach. I woke up to find out I had cancer, of course not a common one either. I was told I had Carcinoid Cancer Stage 4. The doctor’s told me they had gotten the tumor but it had metastasized to my liver. All the tests were run and my liver was full of it. My doctor told me to see a liver specialist that he recommended.

I came home to recover from surgery and researched the internet for a doctor that worked with Carcinoid Cancer and the liver. I came up with two doctor’s in Albany and had two consultations with each doctor. I chose the one who had said to me and my husband, “You are young at 49, if you were any older I wouldn’t touch you,” because I had too many spots. He also told me that this cancer would kill me. I didn’t know what to think, but he said he would do his best for me.

Before I knew it, I was in surgery again within three months of the last one. The doctor said he got as many spots as he could. This time I didn’t bounce back as well as I did the first time. Two weeks in Albany, still with some spots on my liver, I again came home to recover and started chemo shots to try and slow the cancer down.

With many countless car rides to Albany and shots of chemo, I was again told I had to see someone else for the other spots on my liver. This new doctor had me in the hospital again for chemoembolization.

That was a year ago. I’m still taking my shots and still seeing doctors in Albany, but I’m feeling better. I’m still receiving my scans and being thankful every day for my life. My cancer is called the silent killer, because it takes a long time to detect it sometimes – as in my case. It has been two years since I was diagnosed and I’m doing fine.

Throughout my ordeal, my heart was with my sister who was losing her fight against breast cancer that she had for ten years. Seeing her fight killed me inside. I was thinking, what could possibly be in store for me? I was scared and hurting. I miss my sister and wish every day that she were here. As if that wasn’t enough, my other sister called me saying the same words, “I have cancer.” I thought, what the hell?

I knew right then I needed to do something. My one sister is doing good now, but I worry every day about this disease taking one more life. And this is why I Relay.

Team NYCM

I “Relay” for lots of reasons. For my co-workers who have battled cancer and are currently battling cancer. For what my future holds as it’s unknown. And most importantly for my family. Especially my grandma who fought the fight for many years and is now resting in a peaceful place.  – Trish

I Relay in memory of my loved ones I have lost to the courageous battle of cancer. I also Relay in support of the survivors and those currently fighting the battle everyday! There is no better feeling then proudly walking that track with all the luminaria lit up, shining to heaven! – Krystal

I Relay to show support for the cancer survivors and the courageous battle they have fought or are still fighting – they are the heroes.   – Anonymous

I Relay as it helps with the process of losing a close friend to cancer.  If I can help one other person it was worth it. – Anonymous

I chose to Relay in hopes to make a difference in someone else’s life.  After losing a close friend to cancer there is a big void that can’t be filled.  Participating helps me to give hope to those that are currently battling cancer.  - Pam

I Relay to show support for those that have lost the fight and those that are winning the fight against cancer.    – Anonymous

I Relay to help more people become a survivor and honor them in their accomplishments. – Kathy

I Relay because it’s a way of helping other’s have hope and show your support for their fight. - Sue

I Relay because one of my family members had cancer and beat it and I want to show my support.  Combined efforts from all involved make a stronger shield in the fight for cancer.  - Anonymous.

I Relay because I had the cancer cells that could have turned into cancer, plus my Grandma had cancer.    – Katie

I Relay because so many of my friends and relatives have been battling cancer and anything I can do to help in the fight is worth doing. - Anonymous

I Relay because of my mom and daughter.  My mom had cancer and beat it and my daughter enjoys being part of a bigger group in the fight for cancer.  Seeing her be so involved and enjoying makes it worth while.    Anonymous.

I Relay because it’s so encouraging to see so many people fighting for the same cause and being part of something wonderful.  -  Anonymous

I Relay because both my parents had cancer and its a way to show my support.  - Cathy

Sandy Campbell

I had considered joining Relay for Life many times but being a smoker for 36 years of my life; I thought it would be pretty hypocritical of me to be a part of an organization that was geared around fighting cancers, so I opted out.

In September 2010 my husband, a man who is my life, was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. My heart sank; I was devastated to say the least. So the battle against this horrible growing disease that was invading our lives began. I fell apart; my husband was the rock, helping me through each day. Even though he was the one battling the disease, he kept us strong. My next step was to set my quit smoking date which I had done. By October 17, 2010 I was smoke free and have remained that way still.

After witnessing different tests/procedures that my husband had gone through and still deals with, I decided at that time that I needed to do my part to help in finding a cure for this horrible, invasive monster that hurts so many. I joined “Relay for Life” in honor of my husband, Lewis Campbell.

At my first Relay event, I found so many emotions inside of me that I did not know existed. I was so touched and moved by the whole ceremony that I knew from this point forward I would participate in some way, either as a member of a team or as a supporter.

There are many things in life that puzzle most people but honestly, we can figure out how to send men to outer space but we can not cure this horrible disease. Something is wrong with this scenario; at least I think there is.